Ladyhawke (1985)

Matthew Broderick is quite spritely in this mystical adventure. He breaks out from prison, using the sewers ("just like leaving the womb") where he, luckily, encounters "Navarre" (Rutger Hauer) just as he is about to become toast. The man travels with a hawk, and soon we discover that he and the hawk have a distinct synergy - the hawk is "Isabeau" (Michelle Pfieffer) by night; he a terrifying wolf then. How to break the curse? Well, they must face the ruthless bishop (John Wood) in his stronghold of Aquila, and the bishop's men are hunting all of them. It's quite an enjoyable fantasy this. Broderick talks too much (maybe I'd have hanged him too) but there is plenty of swordplay; mischief from Broderick's "Gaston the Mouse"; a little comedy from an on-form Leo McKern and it all looks quite stylish. It is a bit too long, it could probably lose twenty minutes, and there is far too much of the score but the falconry photography is fine and the ending lively. Worth a watch.

*Ladyhawke* is a pretty decent ’80s fantasy adventure with a genuinely romantic premise and a likable cast. The curse keeping Navarre and Isabeau together but never human at the same time gives the story more emotional weight than expected, and Rutger Hauer and Michelle Pfeiffer sell that longing well.

It can be a little uneven—especially in pacing, and the distinctly ’80s rock score may not work for everyone—but the medieval scenery, swashbuckling tone, and Matthew Broderick’s charming comic relief keep it entertaining. It may not be an all-time fantasy classic, but it’s an enjoyable, memorable movie with enough heart to overcome its rough edges.